19 May 2022

What to do in Corfù: 6 unmissable experiences

Corfù is a magical island on the Ionian Sea.
The Venetians, French and English have all ruled here and their legacy can be seen in the island’s cultural attractions, architecture and gastronomy.
Corfù offers lots of things to do and see: here are just some of the amazing places you can visit if you’re on holiday there!

1. Achilleion Palace

Achilleion Palace, located about 10 kilometers south of the city of Corfu, is a Palace built in 1890 for the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, just one year after the tragic loss of her son. The motif centers on the hero Achilles of Greek mythology; built in Pompeian style by the Italian architect Raffaele Caritto, the entire building is a monument to platonic love, with heroic and tragic scenes depicted. Today the palace has been transformed into a museum, where works of art inspired by Greek mythology can be admired.

2. Vlacherna Monastery and Pontikonissi Island

Vlacherna Monastery and Pontikonissi Island are two of the most famous sites of Corfu.
The peculiarity of the little Vlacherna Monastery (XVIII century) is due to its position: it is located in the middle of the sea! It is linked to a small port thanks to a narrow jetty, and from here is possible to reach Pontikonisi, an islet known for the Byzantine chapel of Pantokrator, dating from the 11th or 12th century. Pontikonissi inspired the famous painting by Arnold Böcklin, the Isle of the Dead.

3. Pelekas

Pelekas, a village in the central part of Corfu, is perched on a rock 270 mt high; from there is possible have an overlook of the landscape below and of the magnificent play of lights. Guglielmo II loved meditate in Pelejas and from this village it is possibile admire beautiful sunsets, free from mass tourism. There’s an unmissable beach, Glyfada, which is hidden between the cliffs just two kilometers away from the village. Myrtiotissa and Gialiskari are two other small and protected beaches, both enchanting, that deserve a visit.

4. Paleokastritsa

For nature lovers, a stop in Paleokastritsais a must! This green area is one of the most impressive in Corfu; here the colors of the sea, of the beach and of the wood are mixed, and the result is so suggestive! At the centre of the island, along the rocky west coast, tourists can find lots of bays with the most beautiful beaches of Corfu, all accessible via sea, except one (Paleokastritsa, which gives the name to the area) that can be reached via car.

5. Fortress of Angelokastro

Angelokastro, also known as “Castle of the Angel”, is one of the most famous Byzantine castles of Greece. From the building, located at the top of the highest peak of the island’s shoreline in the northwest coast, not so far from Paleokastritsa, the view is fantastic! Despite the fortress’ tormented history its good conservation status keeps attracting many tourists. There are many remains, perfectly preserved, testifying the events and the castle’s ancient beauty: it is possible to visit the fortress, Archangel Michael’s church and a little chapel in the rock: inside, there are paintings that date back to the 18th century. It’s definitely the perfect stop for all ancient history enthusiasts!

6. Sidari

The village of Sidari, placed in the North West part of Corfu island in a hill area, is famous for the “Canal d’Amour” (Canal of Love): according to the tradition, all couples who swim through it, will marry soon. The framework is completed by the beautiful beaches, the funny nightlife and the hotels offer, making the village attractive for any age group.